David Ferguson Hunter
Born28 November 1891
Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland
Died14 February 1965
Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland
Buried
Dunfermline Cemetery
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
RankSergeant
Service number43247
UnitThe Highland Light Infantry
Battles/warsWorld War I
Awards Victoria Cross
Imperial Service Medal

David Ferguson Hunter VC (28 November 1891 – 14 February 1965) was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Hunter was 26 years old, and a corporal in the 1/5th Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC on 23 October 1918.[1]

On 16/17 September 1918 at Moeuvres, France, Corporal Hunter was detailed to take on an advanced post which was established in shell holes close to the enemy. There was no opportunity for reconnoitring adjacent ground, and the following afternoon Corporal Hunter found that the enemy had established posts all round him, isolating his command. He determined to hold out and despite being exceedingly short of food and water this NCO managed to maintain his position for over 48 hours until a counter-attack relieved him. He repelled frequent enemy attacks and also barrage from our attacks, which came right across his post.

He was subsequently promoted to the rank of sergeant on 23 October 1918.[2] He died 14 February 1965

On 12 August 2004, his previously unmarked grave in Dunfermline Cemetery was marked by a memorial stone in a ceremony.

Freemasonry

He was initiated into Freemasonry in Lodge Union, No. 250, (Dunfermline, Scotland) on 3 January, Passed on 6 February and Raised 3 May 1919.[3]

The Medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Museum of The Royal Highland Fusiliers, Glasgow, Scotland.

References

  1. ↑ "No. 13342". The Edinburgh Gazette. 25 October 1918. p. 3961.
  2. ↑ "No. 13427". The Edinburgh Gazette (Supplement). 23 October 1918. p. 1350.
  3. ↑ The Great War 1914-1918 Victoria Cross Freemasons. Granville Angell. 2014. pp. 269–271. ISBN 978-0-9563661-7-7
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